Keep Wintergreen Wild

Black bears are highly intelligent animals with an incredible sense of smell. They can smell potential food sources over great distances. They are opportunists, always looking for easy calories. This often leads hungry bears to dumpsters, garbage cans, or kitchens. When bears learn that garbage means food, they come back to it again and again, learning to associate humans and homes with food.

Garbage is unhealthy for bears. Their natural diet consists of berries, vegetation, roots, insects, grubs, mast (edible seed or fruit produced by trees and shrubs), and carrion. Garbage can cause injuries such as cuts and ingestion of harmful plastics, glass, or chemicals, as well as changing their natural behavior around people.

Once a bear is conditioned to eat garbage and other unnatural foods, the solutions all too often are fatal to the bear. Relocation can be unsuccessful, dangerous, and expensive, leaving an unfortunate solution of killing the “problem” bear.

One of the reasons bears and people come into contact at Wintergreen is improper care of garbage and other attractants such as bird feeders. Bears will not change their tendency to seek out easy meals so we must change our behavior. Make it your responsibility to make Wintergreen safer for human and bear residents.

If a bear is threatening, persistent, or aggressive call Wintergreen police at 434-325-8520.

For emergencies call 911.

About Bears Around The House

Properly storing or securing residential garbage and other bear attractants is a proven method for discouraging bears and preventing nuisance problems around homes.

Garbage– Store garbage inside until you are able to properly dispose of it. Ensure bins are properly sealed. Wash and clean cans, jars, and recycling where appropriate. Do not throw cooking oil or grease outside.

Yards and Property - Follow these guidelines to keep bears from becoming a problem around your home. • Virginia's Department of Game and Inland Fisheries strongly recommends that no one feed birds from April 1 to December 1. If a bear visits your birdfeeder during the winter months, remove the feeder for at least 2 weeks. If the bear visits your feeder again after removing the feeder, remove the birdfeeder permanently. • Clean barbecues after use. Cover and store indoors. (Do NOT take propane tanks indoors.) • Never leave garbage bags, regardless of content, in your yard. • Lock your car doors. Bears can open the doors. Never leave garbage bags or any other food sources in your car. • Don’t store food in outdoor freezers. • Don’t leave coolers or other items that may contain food smells in your yard. • Keep first floor windows and windows accessible from decks shut.

Homeowner’s checklist

Step 1. Bear-proof your home…

Garbage – Keep garbage in the house, garage, shed until it can be taken to the dumpsters.

Bird Food – Do not feed birds from April 1 to December 1. If a bear visits your birdfeeder during the winter months, remove the feeder for at least 2 weeks. If after the two-week period of time, the bear visits your feeder again, remove the birdfeeder permanently. Keep ground free from seeds. Store extra bird food indoors.

Barbeque – Burn off the grill after each use and store in a secure area.

Windows and doors – Close all first floor windows every evening or when leaving the house. Close any windows accessible from a deck every evening or when leaving the house. Secure your doors well.

Step 2. If you see a bear at your home…

Stay Calm. Remain calm and don’t panic. Often the bear is simply looking for food and will move on if it finds nothing to eat.

Keep Away. Keep away from the bear and go inside and bring children and pets indoors. Shut all accessible windows.

Don't Approach. Never approach the bear and do not run away. Don’t act submissively by crouching down or whispering.

Warn Others. Warn others of the bear’s presence, without yelling.

If the bear climbs a tree... If the bear climbs a tree, keep people and pets away. When things quiet down the bear will come down and leave. Once the bear is safely out of the area, check the area to ensure there are no attractants available.

Learn about eMammel Wildlife Camera Tracking research at The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen. [Click here]

About Bears When hiking

Do not surprise a black bear:

• Hike in a group, most bears will leave an area once aware of your presence

• Stay on established hiking trails and hike during daylight

• Keep children close and within sight

• Use extra caution when hiking near rushing water, into the wind or in the rain. A bear may not be able to hear or smell you coming.

Be alert! – Watch for signs such as tracks, droppings, diggings, torn-up logs and scratched trees, which may indicate a bear is nearby.

Use caution near natural bear foods – Blueberries, fruit trees, and dead animals are examples of food sources. If you come upon these items, use caution.

Dog safety – Your dog should be on a leash and never left unattended.

Watch for cubs – Bears become aggressive if they feel their young are threatened. Never get between a mother and her cubs.

Cyclists! – Your speed and quietness can put you at risk for sudden bear encounters. Slow down through shrubbed areas and when approaching blind curves. Be alert and always look ahead.

If You Encounter a Bear while Hiking

Despite taking precautions, an encounter with a bear may occur. Remember that bears are complex intelligent animals and no two encounters are alike. Below are a few guidelines that can minimize your risk in bear encounter.

Stay calm – Think ahead and plan how to respond if you should encounter a bear.

Don't run – A black bear can easily outrun you. Running may also trigger an attack response. Pickup small children and stay in a group to make yourself less vulnerable.

Leave the area or make a wide detour – If you cannot leave, wait until the bear moves out of the way and ensure the bear has an escape route.

The bear may approach or rear up on its hind legs – Bears are curious and is most likely trying to catch your scent. This is not necessarily a sign of aggression. Back away slowly.

Don't drop objects, clothing, or food to distract the bear – Rewarding a bear for aggressive behavior will increase the likelihood that it will repeat that behavior.

Watch for aggressive behaviors – A bear may display aggression in the following ways: swing it's head from side to side, making vocalizations such as huffs, snorts, whoops or moans, displaying teeth or claws, jaw popping, swatting at the ground, staring with eye contact, panting, or laying it's ears back. These behaviors indicate the bear is stressed, acting defensively, and/or asking for more space. This is the most common kind of black bear aggressive encounter.

For more information

• Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has an entire section of their website devoted to black bear biology and management practices, including a 20-minute video entitled Living with Black Bears in Virginia. Click to visit the DGIF website.

• The book Living with Bears: A Practical Guide to Bear Country by Linda Masterson, 2006, is book is available from The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen's shop.

To sign up, go to Events Registration tab

October- December 2016

SATURDAY HIKES – LIVING WITH NATURE AT WINTERGREEN

Our Saturday morning guided hikes are designed to help people better understand the nature of Wintergreen and the surrounding wilderness. Topics range from tree and wildflower identification to geology and wildlife. These special programs are free for Foundation Members, free for kids with Family Memberships, and available to non-members for a fee. Dogs are welcome at The Trillium House, on the grounds and trails. However, we respectfully ask to refrain from bringing your dog on our guided hikes.Unless otherwise noted all Saturday hikes meet at 10am at the Nature Foundation’s Trillium House. Note: December hike begin at 1pm. Check our website or updates and as always, sign up early.

Living with Nature at Wintergreen- October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 10am

Topic to be announced. Join a Foundation Naturalist for an interpretive hike. Explore Wintergreen’s natural environment! These hikes are rated moderate. FREE/Members, $8/Non-Members.

Journey to High Places Hike- October 3, 2pm

In the spirit of the 2016 Olympic games, this power hike series is designed to challenge the hiking enthusiast to become a gold medalist! The first of the series will begin along Wintergreen’s neighboring trail, The Appalachian Trail. We will start at Humpback Rocks and hike south to Dripping Rock, a moderate 4 mile hike. Bring water. Wear hiking shoes/boots. $6 Members/ $10 Non-members. Payment is due at time of registration.

Discover Swannanoa Palace, famed for its unique Italian renaissance architecture and cast of characters as unique as the mansion. Millionaire and philanthropist James H. Dooley and wife Sallie May built their summer retreat in 1913 away from their permanent home, Maymont in Richmond. The tale of this magnificent yet, mysterious palace doesn’t end with the Dooleys. Come and enjoy a unique tour with the Director of Events at Swannanoa, Sandi Dulaney, as she reveals the truth behind these gilded walls. Bring your camera and money for lunch. $25 Members/ $35 Non-members. Payment is due at time of registration.

Fall Foliage Hike- October 15, 10am

Join Josh Palumbo as he leads a hike into Wintergreen’s natural environment to explain the secrets of the fall season. This informative hike is a must for those seeking answers to the why, what, and how of the changing season. Dress appropriately for the weather. $3/Members, $6/Non-Members.

Fall Photography Hike- October 15, 3:30pm

Do you enjoy photographing the autumn beauty in nature but would like to improve your DSLR and creative skills? Join local Virginia Fine Art and Commercial Photographer, Kevin Blackburn on Wintergreen’s trails to learn a few basic techniques in the art of Nature Photography.This activity will be photographing as you go, so bring your digital camera and be ready to shoot! $10 Members/ $15 Non-members. Payment is due at time of registration.

Journey to High Places Hike- October 20, 2pm

The second of the power hike series will begin along Wintergreen’s neighboring trail system: The Appalachian Trail. We will start at Dripping Rock and hike south to Reids Gap for moderate 4.8 miles. Bring water. Wear hiking shoes/boots. $6 Members/ $10 Non-members. Payment is due at time of registration.

The Quarry Gardens- October 21, 9am-2pm

Journey to Schuyler as we witness the reclamation of nature from the grips of industry. Once home to a piece of the world’s capital of soapstone production, the Quarry Gardens are being regenerated as a 40 acre public garden site focused on native plants amongst a 400 acre conservation easement. Enjoy a tour of the site while we learn of the history of the soapstone industry and the efforts to assist the natural restoration of the habitat. Bring lunch and plenty of water. $10 Members/ $15 Non-members. Payment is due at time of registration.

Halloween Hike- October 29, 7pm- 9pm

Join in this spookacular event at The Trillium House, where we will embark on a not- so- natural adventure at twilight. You will meet a few woodland creatures and hear about their lives during this family-fun activity that will end with treats and maybe some tricks! Dress for weather. Bring your favorite camp chair. Register by October 28. $6 Members/ $8 Non-members. Payment is due at time of registration.

Living with Nature at Wintergreen- November 5, 12, 19, 26, 10am

Journey to High Places Hike- November 3, 1pm

The last of the power hike series will begin at 1pm for a challenging, go for the gold, hike from Reids Gap to the summit of Three Ridges and back for total of 9.2 miles. Moderate/difficult. Bring water. Wear hiking shoes/boots. $6 Members/ $10 Non-members. Payment is due at time of registration.

The Early History of the Tye River Valley- November 4, 9:30am- 2pm

Join Director Doug Coleman for a historical driving tour along the Tye River Valley discussing early European settlement. We will explore from Tye River Rt. 56 intersection and then proceed west along Rt. 56 up the Tye River Valley. The trip will continue to Pharsalia plantation, then along 56 to the Blue Ridge Parkway where you can enjoy a picnic lunch before we head home along the parkway. Bring a bag lunch. $20/ Members, $25/ Non-Members. Payment is due at time of registration.

November 12, 2014 – 10am – Annual Meeting

This is your chance to hear from us directly on what we’ve been doing in your community. This event will be located at the Skyline Pavilion. We will follow WPOA.

Plan to attend the Owner’s Orientation to learn about the Nature Foundation at Wintergreen (TNFW).Why is the Nature Foundation important? Which hiking trail has a waterfall? What should you plant and why? How do you live with your four legged neighbors? Enjoy tales of the early days as Wintergreen was first formed and have all your Wintergreen questions answered. This event is free but registration is required. Please register by Wednesday, November 9.

Hike up the House- November 16, 9am – 5pm

Come spend a day with Josh Palumbo as we journey west to Big House Mountain. This monolith sits isolated from other peaks just west of Lexington and offers grand views to the south. The difficult trek will take adventurous hikers past old homesteads, up steep mountain faces and onto great overlooks. After the hard climb to the peak we will travel into Lexington to reward ourselves with ice cream. This hike is rated as difficult with numerous vertical climbs. Bring plenty of food, water and cash (they don’t accept credit cards) for ice cream. $10 Members/$15 Non-Members. Payment is due at time of registration.

Bon Appetite at Bon Aire- December 1, 11am to 2pm

Come and enjoy a morning exploration of Bon Aire, a federal period home in Shipman. A guided tour will take you through the first floor, then to the original brick kitchen on the lower level for a demonstration of techniques and tools used to prepare early 19th century foodways over a fire. This unique experience will allow you to fill your plate with food prepared using recipes of the period! $65/ Members, $75/ Non-Members. Registration deadline is November 17. Payment is due at time of registration and includes lunch.

Living with Nature at Wintergreen- December 10, 1pm

Topic to be announced. Join a Foundation Naturalist for an interpretive hike. Explore Wintergreen’s natural environment! These hikes are rated moderate. FREE/Members, $8/Non-Members

December 27 to December 31, 2016 – Holiday Week Programs

Watch our website, www.twnf.org, and This Week at Wintergreen for details about our exciting holiday week programs: Crafts, hikes, games, stories and more – fun for the whole family!